noun

pyromaniac

peye-roh-MAY-nee-ak

Pyromaniac (noun) means a person with an uncontrollable urge to deliberately set things on fire. Example: “The pyromaniac was arrested after a string of warehouse fires.”

noun

A person with an uncontrollable urge to deliberately set things on fire.

"The pyromaniac was arrested after a string of warehouse fires."

"Doctors described his condition as pyromania, and the tabloids simply called him a pyromaniac."

How to use pyromaniac

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who compulsively starts fires, often as a genuine psychological disorder rather than simple mischief.

Common mistake

Not just "someone who likes fire" — clinically it implies a compulsive urge, not casual interest.

Word forms

pyromaniacs plural

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The _____ was arrested after a string of warehouse fires.

Etymology

Built from pyro- ("fire") plus -maniac ("someone obsessed with").

Rhymes for pyromaniac

zodiac cardiac Pontiac amnesiac brainiac insomniac egomaniac aphrodisiac kleptomaniac megalomaniac nymphomaniac hypochondriac

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Frequently asked questions

What does “pyromaniac” mean?

The word “pyromaniac” means a person with an uncontrollable urge to deliberately set things on fire. In plain terms, someone who compulsively starts fires, often as a genuine psychological disorder rather than simple mischief.

How do you pronounce “pyromaniac”?

“Pyromaniac” is pronounced peye-roh-MAY-nee-ak (/ˌpaɪɹoʊˈmeɪniæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “pyromaniac” in a sentence?

Here is “pyromaniac” used in a sentence: “The pyromaniac was arrested after a string of warehouse fires.”

What part of speech is “pyromaniac”?

“Pyromaniac” is a noun.